Community mental health inadequate: report

PEOPLE are being kept in mental health facilities longer than they should because of poor planning by medical staff and a lack of support and accommodation in the community, the NSW Ombudsman has found.

In his review of the files for 95 people in NSW mental health facilities, Ombudsman Bruce Barbour found over half had been admitted for between two and 10 years.

Thirteen had been admitted for over 20 years, while two had been admitted as teenagers and had remained in hospital for 40 years.

Mr Barbour said people who should be released were being prevented from living in the community, with one barrier inadequate discharge planning by mental health staff.

Insufficient mental health support in the community, and not enough long-term supported housing options, were also stopping some moving out of facilities.

Meanwhile, patients were being excluded from accommodation and support being provided under the Disability Services Act, because of a demarcation between NSW Health and Ageing, Disability and Home Care.

"The lack of appropriate accommodation and support results in these individuals being denied their fundamental legal right to live in the community and to receive support in the least restrictive environment possible," Mr Barbour said in a statement.

"It also reduces the already limited capacity of mental health facilities to admit people who are acutely unwell and need intensive treatment."

Mr Barbour said his inquiry had identified patients who should be living in the community.

"Our inquiry identified people aged 24 and 25 years who are capable of living in the community with the right support and who have already been in hospital for over five years," Mr Barbour said.

"It is unacceptable that these young people may be facing a similar future to others in our review who were admitted to hospital as teenagers and only left when they were discharged to aged care facilities over 40 years later."